Two people killed in checkpoint clash in Galkaayo

At least two people have been killed and five others injured as Galmudug forces clashed with gunmen over illegal checkpoints near Galkaayo town.

The gun-battle broke out when Galmudug forces attacked gunmen who were collecting illegal money from the public transport at a checkpoint in the outskirt of Galkaayo town which lies 722 km North of Somalia’s capital city, Mogadishu.

“The fighting is still ongoing and I can only hear heavy gunfire from the area where the fighting is taking place now,” resident told Goobjoog News via telephone.

Galmudug government has issued a stern warning to militia men who are setting up illegal roadblocks in Galgaduud region.

In recent months, ‘Illegal roadblocks’ have been on increase in Mudug region.

Goobjoog News Correspondent, Ali Noor Eyn in the region says the roadblocks interrupted people’s daily lives because the armed groups imposed huge levies on public service vehicles and would harass passengers if drivers did not pay the money quickly.

Analysts see that removing the illegal roadblocks was an urgent requirement because it affected residents’ security and stability in the country.